About

The function of the Planning Department is to promote and enhance the well being of residents, visitors, property owners, and businesses in the City of North Little Rock. The department accomplishes its mission through programs and services that encourage high quality development as well as maintenance and revitalization of existing neighborhoods.

The Planning Department is responsible for the long-range planning and zoning activities within the City. The Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Ordinance, the Master Street Plan and the Land Use Plan are the primary planning related tools of the department. The major purpose of the Land Use Plan is to guide the overall development of the City. Specific development standards are contained within the Subdivision Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance regulates the size and height of buildings, housing units, lot set backs, allowable uses, and parking requirements.

Planning Commission

The North Little Rock Planning Commission conducts public hearings regarding the Control of Development and Subdivision of Land Regulations for the City of North Little Rock. Rezoning and Special Use Permit requests are also presented during the Planning Commission public hearing. The Planning Commission makes recommendation to the North Little Rock City Council regarding these requests. The Planning Commission public hearing is held at 4:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 300 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Board of Adjustment

The North Little RockBoard of Adjustment and Appeals conducts public hearings for variance and waivers of the North Little Rock Zoning Ordinance. These cases consist primarily of building setback and fence height variances. The Board of Adjustment meets at 1:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the Month in the Planning Department Conference Room B, 120 Main Street North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Sign Board

The North Little Rock Sign Board conducts public hearings for variance and waivers of the North Little Rock Building Code as well as variance requests to the North Little Rock Sign Ordinance. The Sign Board meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Planning Department Conference Room B, 120 Main Street North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Geographic Information Systems

A Geographic Information System (GIS) links features on a map to tabular attribute information about that feature. The City is developing a GIS for infrastructure, address information, Land Use and Zoning Plans, demographics, police and fire districts, and utilities. Using this data and GIS software, the city can quickly and efficiently map scenarios and analyze data.

The Community Planning & Permits Department is proud to be leading the way in GIS with a full time GIS Specialist who is helping guide the City through the development phase.